Cyrus Cylinder: God’s Press Release

“Modest in scale and appearance, the Cyrus Cylinder is one of the most important and iconic objects in world history. The origins of this baked clay object, which was buried as a foundation deposit, can be traced to the Persian king Cyrus the Great’s conquest of Babylon in the sixth century B.C. It bears an inscription, written in Babylonian cuneiform, that claims Cyrus’s victory over the last Babylonian ruler, Nabonidus. Also in this text, Cyrus declared religious freedom for his newly conquered people. He encouraged Jews to return to Jerusalem and build the second temple, which earned him the title “shepherd of God” and even the “Lord’s anointed” (Messiah) in the Book of Isaiah.” (Smithsonian, Freer/Sackler Museum of Asian Art)

Working at the Smithsonian has granted me access to an information smorgasbord. Yet instead of challenging my faith, I daily gain knowledge that affirms my trust in the Biblical account of history and therefore God’s word. The key is in the lens used to interpret the knowledge that is presented.

For example, when the cylinder was rediscovered in 1879, many regarded it as proof of events described in the Old Testament: Jews were allowed to end their Babylonian exile, return to Jerusalem, and rebuild their temple. Skeptics argue that because the cylinder portrays Cyrus as having been chosen by the pagan god Marduk to restore peace and order to the Babylonians, it does not actually affirm the Biblical account. But what does the Bible say?

“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of
to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:1-7)

Secular history is written by the victors of war. As the Bible clearly states, Cyrus did not know the God of Israel, so it is not evidence against the accuracy of the Old Testament that Cyrus credits a pagan god for his victory in his public statement to his newly conquered territory. In fact, it only confirms this Biblical retelling of the story that Cyrus does not credit the Lord. Besides, God can use whomever He chooses to do His will.

Of all the ancient writings, the Bible is considered the most heavily recorded, and by some, the most important historical document ever written—with over 24,000 manuscript copies to back up the creditability of the text.

“The more concrete the historical terms such as events, places, and dates, the more the likelihood of the attached abstract claims—such as the nature of God and truth.” (Subodh Pandit, Cross Examination p. 44)

“In real terms the New Testament is easily the best attested ancient writing in terms of the sheer number of documents, the time span between the events and the document, and the variety of documents available to sustain or contradict it. There is nothing in ancient manuscript evidence to match such textual integrity…” (Ravi Zacharias, Can Man Live Without God? p. 162)

“To be skeptical of the resultant text of the New Testament books is to allow all of classical antiquity to slip into obscurity, for no document of the ancient period [including Herodotus’ History – 8 manuscripts exist] are as well attested bibliographically as the New Testament.”(John W. Montgomery, History and Christianity, p. 29)

In addition, scholars tell us that 600 predictions in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible have come to pass.

“Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has brought increased recognition to the value of the Bible as a source of history.” (William F. Albright, Archaeology and the Religions of Israel, pp. 127,128).

“Archeology is a real help in understanding the Bible. It yields fascinating information which illustrates what might otherwise be obscured, and in some instances confirms what some might otherwise regard as doubtful.” (Paul E. Little, Know Why You Believe, p. 88).

Amazingly, in a world full of scoffers, there are very good reasons to believe in the historical accuracy of the Bible. Even though evidence may be buried by the sands of time, undiscovered by archeology, this lack of proof is not evidence of Bible fallacy but rather evidence of our limited knowledge. Being unable to prove something is not the same as disproving. The accuracy of the conclusion all depends on whether the information is interpreted through the lens of a non-believer or that of a Biblical student.

By humbly accepting our ignorance and searching the word of God—seeking his guidance in prayer—we open ourselves to the greatest source of wisdom and knowledge.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16)

“God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the world in both science and art; but when professedly scientific men treat upon these subjects from a merely human point of view, they will assuredly come to wrong conclusions. It may be innocent to speculate beyond what God’s word has revealed, if our theories do not contradict facts found in the Scriptures; but those who leave the word of God, and seek to account for His created works upon scientific principles, are drifting without chart or compass upon an unknown ocean. The greatest minds, if not guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered in their attempts to trace the relations of science and revelation. Because the Creator and His works are so far beyond their comprehension that they are unable to explain them by natural laws, they regard Bible history as unreliable. Those who doubt the reliability of the records of the Old and New Testaments, will be led to go a step further, and doubt the existence of God; and then, having lost their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks of infidelity.”
(Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 112-114)